Disclaimer: Everything BtVS and AtS is owned by Joss, ME, and all them over there. Everything Anita Blake is owned by Laurell K. Hamilton

The Lights of this Strange City are Shining

"Peter," he said as he entered. "Did you file a flight plan like a good boy?"

Peter Jamison laughed at the man before him. "Of course, I did Mr. Hathaway."

Spike grinned at the man- some humans were worth keeping. "So we'll be taking off shortly, then?"

Jamison nodded. "Yes. You should take your seat."

Spike just nodded as he moved to return to Willow. She was still sleeping, so he made sure that she was properly belted in. Marta, the attendant smiled at him from her seat.

"We're about to take off. You'd better sit down," she said.

It was two hours later that Willow woke up.

"Holy shit, I'm in an airplane," she said, sitting up with a start.

Spike laughed heartedly at her surprising outburst and asked Marta to excuse them. Willow was looking at him with wide, slightly fearful eyes when he sat down next to her.

"Have a nice nap, luv?" Spike asked, kissing Willow gently.

Willow grinned. "Yeah- I'm really tired. Have been really tired ... I haven't been getting that much sleep lately, what with research and finals, and ... um, Spike? Should I be worried?" she babbled.

He shook his head. "No. We're just going on a bit of a trip."

Willow smiled. "Anywhere but Sunnydale?"

"Was the last thing you said, wasn't it?" Spike asked.

"Yeah, kinda. I guess this is anywhere but there ... So, Where are we going?"

"Let me surprise you, please."

Willow nodded. "Spike, could you hold me? I'm still kinda tired-ya know, lack of sleep and all, and-" her voice trailed off as he pulled her to him.

"Sleep, sweet Red. We'll be there soon enough," he said as he drifted off to sleep himself.

And that was how Marta found them when she entered the cabin some time later. She smiled at her occasional boss and hoped, for his sake, that this one wouldn't hurt him. Her mind hardened at the thought of that other girl- that Drusilla. Now, that was a horrid, undeserving bitch if she'd ever met one. Marta placed a blanket over the sleeping couple and silently wished them all the best.

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"Willow? Wake up, luv," Spike said quietly into her ear. He couldn't believe they'd both slept almost the entire trip. He silently wondered if Peter and Marta hadn't drugged them in order to have a quiet flight. They'd both been known to do that in the past. Dru was not favored among the two of them. He smiled as Willow stirred in his arms and slowly opened her eyes.

"Hi," she said shyly.

Spike grinned. "Hi," he said back.

Willow raised up to stretch and looked around. "We've landed," she said.

"Uh huh," Spike said, getting up.

"Where are we?" Willow asked.

Spike smiled a bright smile and motioned towards the door. Willow rose and let him guide her to the exit. Spike called out a good-bye to his employees and they stepped out the open door.

"Oh my goddess. Spike! This is ... I'm ... we're ... London? We're in London?"

Spike again found himself smiling at the witch, his demon content for once. Her face had lit up when she took in the city around her.

"Yeah, luv. I decided to come home for a bit of a visit- have business to attend to. Thought you might like to join me."

Willow grinned and rushed down the steps to the ground. Spike followed closely, and as soon as they were both on solid ground, he swept her into his arms.

"Show my lady to her quarters?" Spike asked, his accent slightly different- more polished.

"Lead on, kind sir." Willow responded.

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Spike led Willow through the small maze of shrubs that led to the house. He couldn't stop a smile from spreading as he watched her face light up and her eyes widen upon taking in the estate.

"Spike! This is ... wow. Is it yours?" she exclaimed, flustered.

Spike nodded as they arrived at the door. He pulled key from his pocket, unlatched the lock and went inside. After a moment, he realized Willow wasn't following him. Turning, he saw her still standing outside. Tilting his head to the side, he questioned her hesitation, "Red?"

Willow met his eyes and held his gaze, "May I come in, Spike?"

Dumbfounded at her consideration, Spike could merely nod. Willow stepped into his house and gave him a bright smile. Spike had to force his demon back and hold strong in his self control, all he wanted to do was throw her against the wall and claim her as his.

Reeling his control back in, Spike smiled and walked over to her. "Why did you do that?"

Willow looked confused for a minute before answering. "Well, it's polite to ask- even if I can just walk in. This is your place- I mean, you have to ask to come into mine..." Willow's voice trailed off as she saw the look on Spike's face. Concerned, she asked. "Did I do something wrong?"

Spike shook his head. "Not at all, luv. Not at all."

Willow smiled brightly. "This is a beautiful house, Spike."

Holding out his arm he asked, "Care for a tour before we leave for dinner?"

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Willow stood in the hall listening for any sound of life. Spike had given her the grand tour and then left to, as he put it, grab a bite to eat. Willow knew the chip was still functioning, so she knew that he had to have arranged for blood to be brought in. She hadn't seen him for over an hour. Coming to a stop outside of his bedroom, she listened. Willow smiled as she heard the sound of a shower running. Realizing that she still had a lot of getting ready to do, she headed back to her own room.

The maid had already laid Willow's dress out on the bed. It was the perfect size, and Willow couldn't help but wonder how Spike had arranged it all on such short notice.

The dress was a midnight blue silk with matching satin trim and a scooped neck. It was cut to fall in a flowing manner and would almost hide her shoes. Willow smiled for what felt like the thousandth time that day, and headed into the bathroom for a shower.

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Spike, dressed in a black dress suit and a dark blue shirt, walked into Willow's room. She had her back to him, but from what he could see, the dress fit perfectly. She had the phone to her ear, and he grinned as he listened to her words.

"Buffy, this is Willow. I'm sorry I didn't leave a note. I was a bit distracted. I'm in England. Don't freak out and come and look for me. I'm here on my own free will. I will be back. I'll try to call when I think you'll probably be there- though as you know, that's something that rarely happens lately. Anyway, I'll see you in a few days, okay? Bye."

Walking up behind her, Spike slid his arms around her waist. "Everything all right, pet?"

Willow smiled. "Everything is fine, Spike."

She turned in his arms and kissed him firmly. "Thank you for this."

Spike smiled. "It's my pleasure, Willow."

His lips descended onto hers once more, his tongue teasing her lips. After a sweet kiss, Willow pulled away and looked at him. "Wow," she said.

"I look good?" Spike asked teasingly.

Willow nodded. "You look incredible."

Pulling her back to him, Spike looked directly into her eyes. "I don't look half as good as you do," he said as he kissed her again.

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Willow was having the best time. Spike had taken her to dinner at a wonderful French restaurant and then to a show. They'd gone to see the musical RENT, which Willow had adored. Spike was proving to be a continuous source of surprise. They were currently leaving the theatre in the car that he had somehow procured for the evening.

"That was great," Willow said.

Spike grinned. "Yeah, it was. The singing and dancing got to me after a while though- wanted to rip out that one whiny girl's throat... "

Willow laughed. "Did you not know it was a musical?"

Spike shook his head. "Nope. I had a friend get me the tickets. He's actually originally from Sunnydale. His name's Clem, maybe you can meet him sometime."

"Where are we going now?" Willow asked.

"Back to the house, I think. You're jet-lagged, right?" Spike questioned.

Willow nodded, "Yeah. Even though I slept the entire way here. Been a long day, I guess. What gave me away?"

Spike looked at her and smirked. "Well, the yawning you did through the second half of the play was my first clue."

Willow blushed. "I didn't mean to!" "'Course you didn't, luv," Spike said as he reached for her hand.

They rode in comfortable silence the rest of the way, Spike tracing lazy designs on Willow's hand.

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Willow and Spike were standing outside of her room. Willow was leaning against the door with Spike in front of her. He traced his finger along her cheek. "You do look beautiful, Red."

Willow smiled. "Thank you."

She yawned in spite of herself. Spike smiled. "And on that note," he began. "We should get you to bed."

Willow nodded. "I suppose."

Spike pulled her close. "I had a wonderful time with you tonight, pet."

Willow sighed into Spike's shoulder. "So did I, with you."

Wrapping his arms around her, Spike raised her head and kissed her gently. Willow moaned and deepened the kiss.

"Are you going to come in?" Willow asked.

Spike's mind screamed yes, and he struggled with his demon for a moment. He took a deep breath. "Not tonight, pet."

Willow tensed and pulled away slightly. She wasn't sure if she should be impressed with his self-control, or insulted because he didn't want her.

"But..." she said softly.

Spike's grip on her tightened, and he forced her to look at him. "I'm not saying I don't want to, Willow. Believe me, luv, I want you. Just ..." his voice trailed off.

"Not tonight," Willow finished.

Spike captured her lips again briefly. "Soon," he promised as he turned and walked to his own room.

Willow watched him shut his door and raised her hand to her tingling lips, smiled behind her hand.

"My god, I think I'm falling in love with you, Spike," she said softly before she entered her room.

Spike, from his room, barely caught the muffled sounds of her words. He blinked, startled at their meaning. "You're mine, sweet Red," he said. "And I don't intend to ever let you go."

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